Martin Bashir has quit the BBC citing health reasons as an ongoing inquiry continues into his part in securing an explosive interview with Princess Diana.

Bashir – a producer on the broadcaster’s flagship programme Panorama – has been ill for some months.

Jonathan Munro, the BBC’s head of newsgathering, said:

“Martin Bashir has stepped down from his position as the BBC’s religion editor and is leaving the corporation.

“He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart.

“Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.”

The BBC Director General Tim Davie ordered an independent inquiry about the Panorama programme.

Bashir was had already admitted using “fake” documents to persuade the Princess of Wales to take part in the show.